Commonly Used MRI CPT Codes

1. Visit our website: Click here Follow us: Commonly Used MRI CPT Codes Medical professionals rely on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to obtain detailed images of various body regions, aiding in the diagnosis and evaluation of numerous conditions. Specific Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes are used to describe different types of MRI scans, enabling healthcare providers to accurately document and bill for these procedures. This article explores commonly used MRI CPT Codes for different areas of the body, including the brain and neck, spine, breast, joints, extremities, abdomen, and pelvis. By understanding the specific CPT codes associated with each MRI scan, healthcare professionals can effectively communicate and document the imaging procedures performed, leading to improved diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient care. Commonly Used MRI CPT Codes 1. Brain and Neck (CPT Codes 70551, 70553, 70544, 70547, 70549, 70540, 70543, 70540, 70543, 70336) MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique widely used in medical practice to visualize and evaluate various regions of the body. When it comes to the brain and neck, specific CPT codes are utilized to describe different types of MRI scans that can Copyright © Medical Billers and Coders. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 1

2. Visit our website: Click here Follow us: provide valuable insights for diagnosing and managing conditions affecting these areas. The CPT codes 70551 and 70553 represent MRI scans of the brain, with and without contrast, respectively. These procedures allow healthcare professionals to assess brain structures, detect abnormalities, and investigate conditions such as tumors, bleeding, or inflammation. For the neck region, CPT codes 70544, 70547, and 70549 correspond to MRI scans of the spine without contrast, with contrast, and with both contrast and non-contrast, respectively. These scans help evaluate the spinal cord, vertebrae, and surrounding tissues, enabling the identification of conditions such as herniated discs, spinal cord compression, tumors, infections, or inflammation. Additionally, CPT code 70336 represents an MRI scan specifically focused on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to assess TMJ disorders, joint inflammation, or structural abnormalities. By utilizing MRI technology, healthcare professionals can gain detailed information to guide diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient care for brain, neck, and TMJ-related conditions. 2. Spine (CPT Codes 72141, 72156, 72146, 72157, 72148, 72158) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and evaluation of various spinal conditions. With specific CPT codes assigned to different regions of the spine, MRI scans provide detailed images that assist healthcare professionals in assessing and diagnosing specific spinal areas. CPT code 72141 represents an MRI of the lower back (lumbar spine) without contrast, enabling the examination of conditions such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or nerve impingement. For the thoracic spine, CPT codes 72156 and 72157 correspond to MRI scans without and with contrast, respectively. These scans aid in the assessment of conditions like vertebral fractures, tumors, or spinal cord compression in the chest area. Similarly, CPT code 72146 represents an MRI of the neck (cervical spine) without contrast, assisting physicians in diagnosing conditions such as herniated discs, spinal cord compression, or cervical radiculopathy. Additionally, CPT codes 72148 and 72158 correspond to MRI scans of the pelvis without and with contrast, respectively, helping in the evaluation of pelvic organ disorders, tumors, or abnormalities of the reproductive system. By utilizing MRI technology, healthcare professionals can obtain comprehensive and detailed images, allowing for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and management of spinal and pelvic conditions. Copyright © Medical Billers and Coders. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 2

3. Visit our website: Click here Follow us: 3. Breast Studies (CPT Codes 77059, 77021) Breast studies play a crucial role in the detection and evaluation of breast abnormalities, particularly for individuals at a higher risk of breast cancer or those presenting with suspicious findings. Two CPT codes are commonly used for breast imaging: CPT code 77059 and CPT code 77021. CPT code 77059 represents a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure that evaluates multiple body regions or areas. This comprehensive MRI scan provides detailed images of various anatomical structures, enabling healthcare professionals to assess and diagnose potential abnormalities or conditions affecting different parts of the body. On the other hand, CPT code 77021 corresponds to a specialized imaging technique known as breast MRI. Often used as a supplemental tool to mammography, breast MRI is particularly valuable for individuals at high risk of breast cancer or for evaluating breast abnormalities. By producing detailed images of the breast tissue, this specialized MRI scan assists in the detection and characterization of potential breast cancer or other breast-related conditions. Together, these breast imaging procedures contribute to more accurate diagnosis, improved treatment planning, and enhanced patient care for individuals with breast concerns. 4. Joints (CPT Codes 73221, 73223) Joints are crucial structures in the human body, enabling movement and providing stability. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays a vital role in the evaluation and diagnosis of joint- related conditions. Specific CPT Codes are used to describe different types of MRI scans that focus on the upper and lower extremities. CPT code 73221 represents an MRI of the upper extremity without contrast, providing detailed images of the arms, hands, and shoulders to aid in the diagnosis of fractures, tumors, and joint abnormalities. On the other hand, CPT code 73223 involves the use of contrast material to enhance visualization, assisting in the evaluation of infections, inflammatory disorders, and vascular abnormalities in the upper extremities. Similarly, CPT code 73721 represents an MRI of the lower extremity without contrast, allowing for the diagnosis of conditions such as ligament tears, bone fractures, and joint abnormalities in the legs, knees, and feet. CPT code 73723 involves the use of contrast material to enhance Copyright © Medical Billers and Coders. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 3

4. Visit our website: Click here Follow us: visualization, aiding in the evaluation of tumors, infections, and inflammatory disorders affecting the lower extremities. These MRI procedures provide detailed images that enable healthcare professionals to accurately diagnose joint-related conditions, leading to appropriate treatment planning and improved patient outcomes. 5. Extremities (CPT Codes 73718, 73720) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays a crucial role in the evaluation and diagnosis of various conditions affecting the extremities. Specific CPT Codes are used to describe different types of MRI scans that focus on specific joints or regions. CPT code 73718 represents an MRI examination of both knees, providing detailed imaging to assess for abnormalities such as ligament tears, meniscal injuries, or arthritis. This scan aids in diagnosing and planning appropriate treatment for knee-related conditions. CPT code 73720 corresponds to an MRI scan of the lower extremity joints, including the hips, pelvis, and thighs. It offers a comprehensive evaluation of these areas, aiding in the detection of fractures, joint inflammation, muscle injuries, or other potential concerns. For the upper extremity, CPT code 73218 denotes an MRI study specifically focused on the shoulder joint. This examination allows for detailed visualization of the shoulder structures, assisting in the diagnosis of conditions such as shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tears, or labral injuries. Similarly, CPT code 73220 represents an MRI examination targeting the elbow joint, providing detailed images for the evaluation of conditions such as tennis elbow, ligament tears, joint inflammation, or other potential abnormalities. These MRI procedures play a critical role in accurately diagnosing extremity-related conditions, guiding treatment decisions, and facilitating optimal patient care. 6. Abdomen (CPT Codes 74181, 74183, 74185) Abdominal imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and evaluation of conditions affecting the abdominal organs and pelvis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a powerful diagnostic tool used to capture detailed images of these regions. CPT code 74181 represents an MRI exam of the abdomen without contrast, providing comprehensive imaging of organs such as the liver, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen. This procedure aids in the diagnosis of various conditions and diseases affecting the abdominal area. CPT code 74183 corresponds to an MRI Copyright © Medical Billers and Coders. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 4

5. Visit our website: Click here Follow us: scan of the pelvis without contrast, allowing visualization of the reproductive organs, bladder, and rectum. By utilizing this non-invasive imaging technique, healthcare professionals can detect abnormalities or conditions affecting the pelvis, such as tumors, infections, or structural abnormalities. Additionally, CPT code 74185 represents an MRI scan of the lower extremity joints without contrast, offering detailed evaluation of the hip, knee, ankle, and foot joints, as well as the surrounding tissues. This procedure assists in diagnosing conditions such as joint injuries, degenerative joint diseases, or infections, providing valuable information for treatment planning. These MRI procedures provide healthcare professionals with precise imaging and aid in accurate diagnosis, enabling appropriate management and care for patients with abdominal or pelvic concerns, as well as lower extremity joint-related conditions. 7. Pelvis (CPT Codes 72195, 72197) Pelvic imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and evaluation of various conditions affecting the reproductive organs and pelvic region. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a valuable tool used to capture detailed images of these areas, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals. CPT code 72195 represents an MRI scan of the pelvis without the use of contrast material. This non-invasive procedure offers detailed imaging of the pelvic region, aiding in the detection and evaluation of conditions such as tumors, infections, or abnormalities in the reproductive organs. On the other hand, CPT code 72197 is used for a contrast-enhanced MRI scan of the pelvis. By injecting a contrast material, this procedure enhances the visibility of specific structures and abnormalities within the pelvic region, facilitating the diagnosis and evaluation of conditions like vascular diseases, tumors, or infections affecting the reproductive organs. Additionally, CPT code 72195 and CPT code 72197 represent MRI scans of the spine without and with contrast, respectively. These scans utilize magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of the spine, helping diagnose and assess conditions such as herniated discs, spinal tumors, spinal cord injuries, infections, or inflammatory disorders affecting the spinal cord and surrounding tissues. These MRI procedures provide valuable diagnostic information, enabling healthcare professionals to accurately diagnose and treat conditions affecting the pelvis and spine, leading to improved patient care and outcomes. Copyright © Medical Billers and Coders. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 5

6. Visit our website: Click here Follow us: To summarize, the utilization of specific CPT codes is essential for accurately describing and documenting MRI scans performed in various body regions. From the brain and neck to the spine, breast, joints, extremities, abdomen, and pelvis, MRI plays a vital role in the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of diverse medical conditions. By employing the appropriate CPT codes, healthcare professionals ensure proper billing and documentation, facilitating effective communication among medical teams and enabling accurate reimbursement for these imaging procedures. About Medical Billers and Coders (MBC) Medical Billers and Coders (MBC) is a highly regarded radiology billing company that provides reliable and efficient services to healthcare providers in the field of radiology. With our expertise in medical coding, billing procedures, and compliance regulations, MBC ensures accurate and timely reimbursement for radiology services. Our team of experienced professionals understands the complexities of radiology billing, including the specific CPT codes associated with MRI scans and other imaging procedures. MBC's commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest industry standards and regulations enables us to navigate the intricacies of radiology billing, reducing errors and optimizing revenue for the clients. To know more about our radiology billing services, email us at info@medicalbillersandcoders.com or call us at: 888-357-3226. CPT® is registered trademark of American Medical Association Copyright © Medical Billers and Coders. All Rights Reserved Call now 888-357-3226 (Toll Free) info@medicalbillersandcoders.com 6